Bill > S00802

This bill requires the commissioner of health to expand consultation requirements when developing guidance for maternal depression screenings in routine prenatal care. Specifically, the bill mandates that in addition to consulting with the office of mental health, the commissioner must now also consult with the office of addiction services and supports and other relevant stakeholders they determine appropriate. The guidance must cover comprehensive topics including when and how often screenings should occur, screening for social needs that may contribute to maternal depression (such as housing insecurity or intimate partner violence), substance use disorder screening, referral processes for follow-up treatment, and reimbursement strategies to encourage provider participation. The bill also requires the commissioner to identify and publish links to existing training and information programs about maternal depression screening, which must address topics like health equity, implicit bias, cultural competency, screening options, patient resources, and trauma-informed care. Additionally, the bill changes the effective date from 180 days to eighteen months after the law is enacted, giving healthcare providers and systems more time to prepare for implementing the new requirements. The goal of these provisions is to improve maternal mental health support and screening across New York State.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S802